How to Unblock a Shower Drain Without Chemicals
If you’ve ever stepped into a shower only to discover that the water doesn’t drain and you’re frustrated, you’ll know how it could be. Not only does it slow down your morning routine but it can also be harder to clean up when you’re done. Although chemical drain cleaners can be sometimes effective, they may also damage the pipes as well as harm the environment. The good news is there’s plenty of natural ways to unblock a shower drain without using harmful chemical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical drain cleaners could harm pipes and the environment.
- There are a variety of natural ways to unblock a shower drain, such as using baking soda and vinegar or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum.
- For the method of baking soda and vinegar: gather ingredients, unblock the cover for draining and any garbage, pour baking soda in, then vinegar, wait for 30 minutes then flush with boiling water.
- For wire hanger methods to straighten wire hanger leaving the other end as it was Create a hook at the end and insert it inside the drain to catch hair and debris out.
- To use wet/dry vacuum method switch the vacuum to "wet" mode and cover drains overflowing with cloth or tape, connect the hose to create an airtight seal, then turn to the mode for three minutes.
- Prevent future blockages by using hair strainers in your shower. Run hot water after each usage and avoiding running grease down your drains.
Method 1 Method 1: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start take the following steps:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Boiling water
- Rubber gloves (optional)
- A rag or cloth
Step 2: Clean the Drain
Remove the shower drain cover if possible and use the small brush or toothbrush to scrub the hairs or any other obstruction around the edges of the drain. Be sure to wear rubber gloves if necessary.
Step 3: Pour in Baking Soda and Vinegar
Put one cup baking soda in the sink followed by one cups of vinegar. Make sure to cover the drain immediately with a towel or rag so that the reaction doesn’t go beyond control!
Step 4: Wait
Take about 30 minutes while the mixture is at work. You should hear some fizzing and bubbling – this means it’s working!
Step 5: Drain using Boiling Water
Take the cover off with care and flush it with boiling water. This should help clear any debris that remains and ensure that your water is flowing smoothly again.
Method 2: Wire Hanger
Sometimes all you need is a trusty wire hanger:
Step 1 Straighten It Out
Straighten out a wire hanger as straight as you can while leaving the other end in its original shape.
Step 2: Create an Hook
Create a small hook at the end of the wire that you just straightened.
Step 3: Search for hair and Debris
Hook it into the drain and search to look for hair and debris. Remove anything that pops up.
Method 3: Dry/Wet Vacuum
If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum This method could be for you.
Step 1. Set the Vacuum
The vacuum should be set into "liquids" as well as "wet" mode.
Stage 2: Seal Overflow Drain
Overflow drains should be covered with the use of duct tape or a damp cloth to ensure maximum suction power.
Step 3: Connect Hose to drain
Attach the hose to your drain, making an airtight seal.
Step 4: Turn on Vacuum
Switch on the vacuum and let it run for approximately three minutes. This should help remove any blockages in your shower drain.
| Method | Supplies Needed | Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Baking soda, white vinegar, boiling water, rubber gloves (optional), cloth or rag | 1. Gather supplies\n2. Prepare the drain\n3. Pour in baking soda and vinegar\n4. Wait for 30 minutes\n5. Flush with boiling water |
| Wire Hanger | Wire hanger | 1. Straighten it out\n2. Create a hook\n3. Fish for hair and debris |
| Wet/Dry Vacuum | Wet/dry vacuum, duct tape or wet cloth | 1. Set the vacuum to "liquids" or "wet" mode\n2. Cover overflow drain \n3. Attach hose to drain \n4. Turn on vacuum |
Common Questions and Answers
How do I know when my shower drain has become blocked?
If your shower is taking longer than normal to empty or the water is getting swollen on your feet during your shower, it’s a sign that your drain is full or partial blocked. In addition, an unpleasant odor coming from the shower area could also indicate a clogged drain.
What are the best natural methods to clear a shower drain?
You could try pouring boiling water into the drain, followed by vinegar, baking soda, and. You can also use the mixture of salt and baking soda, followed by boiling water. Swirling the drain with a plunger might also help.
Can I make use of chemical drain cleaners to clear my shower?
It’s not recommended to utilize chemical drain cleaners due to the fact that they contain harmful chemicals that could harm the pipes over time. Chemicals can also damage the environment and pose health risk for those who handle them in a way that isn’t safe.
When should I contact a professional plumber for my blocked shower drain?
If DIY methods don’t work in unblocking your shower drain, it’s recommended to call a professional plumber such as Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers in Sydney for help. Other indications that you require professional help are the water coming out of other drains or toilets weird gurgling sounds from pipes or odors of foul smells emanating from the drains even after cleaning them.
What is the cost to get a blocked shower drain fixed by plumbing experts?
The price of repairing the problem of a blocked shower drain will differ depending on the extent of the issue and the location you live. It is typically between $100-$300 for a plumber who can unblock the drain of a shower. However, more severe situations that require pipe repairs or replacements can cost upwards of $500-$1000.
Conclusion
Unblocking a shower drain can be frustrating however there are plenty of ways to tackle the problem without making the switch to harsh chemicals. If you decide to use vinegar and baking soda or a wire hanger or a dry/wet vacuum, be sure to keep your drains from becoming blocked by installing a hair strainer inside your shower or shower, and then running hot water following each use, and avoiding spilling grease into your drains. If none of these solutions succeed, it’s time to call in professional help. If you’re having trouble with persistent or having trouble with plumbing issues within Sydney , contact Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers now!
Additional Information
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumber Tips & Solutions
- Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Blocked Drain with Ease
- The Science of Unblock: Unveil How Blocked Drain Jetting Works
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- Begin with Clean Plumbing for a Spotless Home: Top Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- Get Rid of Drain Blockages Permanently with These Tested Approaches
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
